This year on February 2nd (Sunday) Setsubun will be coming to the Sumiyoshi Shrine of Hakata in Fukuoka, said to be the first of approximately 2,129 shrines. Prayers for luck and avoidance of disasters, safety at sea, and success in sumo wrestling are made to the god that resides here. 

A guardian figure with 4 golden eyes known as a housoushi comes wielding a shield and spear, and with the power to banish illness in the form of a “peach bow” and “reed arrow” chases away demons in a ritual called oniyarai (demon chasing). Following the demon-chasing ritual, mamemaki, or bean throwing, is carried out from 11:00 every hour or so until 16:00.  

Sumiyoshi Shrine Setsubun Schedule

February 2, 2025 (Sunday) 11:00 - 16:30
Setsubun Festival (Ceremony of Oniyarai) 11:00 a.m.
Bean-throwing event (Kaguraden) 11:00 - 16:00 (every hour)

Lucky Lottery 11:00 - 16:30

Please receive a “Lucky Masu box” (800 yen for the first prize) if you wish to participate in the event. The event will end when all the lucky prizes are gone.

Fees

No charge
*Participating in the lucky lottery costs 800 yen (for the lucky beans/box)